BY TIM ESTILOZ.-
San Andreas is pure escapist, Summer-blockbuster, roller-coaster ride fun.
Don’t come into this film expecting any deep, profound messaging or even a plot line that’s any more than an on-screen adventure at it’s most simplistic level. The payoff here is in the film’s CGI visual spectacle of the oft predicted “Big One” earthquake that could hit California one day along the infamous San Andreas fault line; and a story aided primarily by the action star charisma of Dwayne ( The Rock ) Johnson.
The central and clearly thin storyline has Johnson portraying an ace rescue chopper pilot, who following a mammoth earthquake that devastates Los Angeles, saves his estranged wife ( Carla Gugino ). Both reunite to travel from LA to San Francisco where a seismologist ( Paul Giamatti ) is predicting the next even bigger quake will hit, in order to save their only daughter, Blake. ( Alexandra Daddario )
That’s basically all one needs to know about this film, as deep character development is almost intentionally non-existent, in lieu of presenting a near two-hour onslaught of visually impressive action and destruction. However, that’s not necessarily a drawback to seeing this film. The effects are spectacularly detailed and the destruction often gut wrenchingly real, though some may take issue with the cavalier way the film plays with the mass destruction of human life.
Johnson and Gugino show some genuine moments of real chemistry amid the chaos as a separated but emotionally conflicted couple struggling with prior baggage resulting from the death of their younger daughter years before. Daddario as their older daughter somewhat avoids being tagged as simply “damsel-in-distress” eye candy in her role; possessing some strong survival skills and smarts as she helps not only herself, but also two brothers she encounters along the way.
San Andreas absolutely embraces multiple disaster film cliches, including an ending scene that’s almost laughingly optimistic. However, overall it works because it presents those cliches with straightforward style and panache. It’s a film that is meant to be unabashedly big, loud and, despite the obvious destruction, an exciting on-screen spectacle. On that score, San Andreas delivers the goods.
San Andreas: ☆☆☆
In Theatres
Capsule reviews
Mad Max: Fury Road ☆☆☆☆☆
A literal non-stop thrill ride of action and excitement. Charlize Theron is amazing.
Tomorrowland ☆☆☆
Visually impressive with strong performances by its young female stars. Hindered by an uneven and ultimately preachy plot line.
Poltergeist ☆☆
A totally unnecessary remake of the 1982 original film. Unimaginative and tedious. Rent the original.
